Alpinestars Al Mega DX - what to do ....?

[Cheshire1980]

Option 1.. although faded still looks like the cats whiskers... I wouldn't touch it, just build and ride it.. great buy, no cracks or dings are quite rare with these frames..

 

[regan_ev]

Nice find

Totally depends what you want to achieve with it. If you want a show pony, see my build thread for inspiration. If you want a rider, you can leave it.

From my knowledge, the bars are sound it was the Mega Lite stems that often cracked, right under the handlebar clamp bolt. Common enough for Alpinestars to issue a recall on them, hence they're a rare component to find nowadays.

Mine was sold to me as uncracked but it had a hairline crack underneath the downtube at the headtube weld, so check yours thoroughly. (I didn't spot it, the repainters did!) My build thread details that.

There've been a few of these repainted and restickered in funky colours/schemes. There's a candy apple red one floating around somewhere that looks bitchin'. Google for it if you want an idea of a retro mod build.

Good luck whatever you decide. I look forward to seeing it.

 

[mikee]

Re:

Regan
I've had 4 sets of these bars break over the years Lh side where the stem clamps , every one
Mike

 

[regan_ev]

Not heard that before, thanks for sharing Mike

 

[mikee]

Think I've still got a broken one in the shed , if I find it I'll post a pic
Only had one stem go tho , still got one on my al mega DX

 

[Street Racer]

Since your the one riding it / being seen on it paint is a good idea , if you want to make it a wall hanger then leaving the paint is paramount.

With that said , I would leave the white and sand the clear off the yellow , tape it and respray the yellow with say black for a easy cover up and paint scheme.

Technically you would be leaving the original paint under new for the next owners rediscovery , if he wants to do a complete restoration.

I have seen pros restore million dollar cars by stripping the current paint to reveal the original paint

 

[Woodyuk]

Re:

Hi all

Thanks for all the opinions ..
Frame has arrived and looks good no cracks or dents but paint work is pretty worn :facepalm:
I am going to build up and ride the frame and see how I like it and make sure frame is not too big as it looks a little on the large side ...
If all works out and I'm happy with it I might be doing a repaint ( Will use regan_ev as a good example )
will wait and see and I will get some photos up once built

 

[shogun]

Good way to go. Nowadays I never repaint anything unless I am sure I can get it 100%, and I'm willing to double down on fresh or NOS parts to match. When I was younger I did stuff up thinking I'd get it even better than original, but it really hardly ever is.
IMO it is as challenging to match wear as to find pristine parts.